Updates from Becky McCann

5 Easy, Fun, and Educational Activities for Kids

Mon, 15 May 2023 11:38:00 CDT

Coming up with activities to keep your kids busy- and learning- can be exhausting if you’re not used to it. This week try choosing one of the activities I’ve described below and each week you can try something new. Come back often for new ideas every week!

Make your own “Oobleck” – I love it when a good book inspires some fun science at home! At some point since it was written, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, written by Dr. Seuss got connected to a non-Newtonian fluid (basically a substance that acts like a liquid and a solid). Grab the book at your local library, then invite your kids to help you make your own Oobleck at home! You just need...

How do I Keep My Baby Self-Entertained?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:32:40 CDT

Being a new parent can be both exciting and kind of intimidating. You want your child to have fun, but you’re worried about their development and sleep and how often they’re eating and sometimes just surviving, yourself. Thinking of ways to keep your baby entertained while not going crazy can just add to the overwhelm. The good news about babies is that everything is new and they are learning constantly, just by observing the world around them. As long as you’re engaging with your little one throughout the day, they are getting what they need to thrive.

Start Simple:

Easy Spring Craft: Paper Leaf Lanterns

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:29:27 CDT

Who doesn’t love an idea for a simple craft that is actually pretty cool and really fun? Oh! Plus- it can be fun for all ages and gets you outside. I love activities that combine good outside time with a project at the end because it motivates the kids that just want to run around to have a little focus and it motivates the kids that just want to sit inside to get outside and explore.

You can get creative combining any number of outdoor and indoor activities, but for today’s activity, I drew inspiration from an elementary school science class I was recently observing. The end result will be paper leaf lanterns!

3 Tricks to Get Homework Done Without the Fight

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 02:20:20 CDT

Doing homework can be a STR-U-GLE for both parents and kids. As a parent, you always want your kids to do their best, but you also don’t want to stress them out about something as inconsequential as homework. For your kid, it can be hard to focus on schoolwork because it’s actually challenging and their are so many distractions of things they’d rather be doing (like toys, shows, or ANYTHING ELSE). It’s no wonder homework can be such a challenge. So, how can you make it happen without anyone losing it?

Make (mostly free) Fun Family Memories THIS Weekend

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:41:41 CDT

The weekend is here, so you might be looking for new ways to make memories—but without breaking the bank. What kind of activities can you do that won’t take too long, are relatively inexpensive, and will create memories that last? You just need a little bit of creativity!

Have a Picnic at the Park…

But not just a regular picnic! Give each of your kids a budget and let THEM choose what to bring for your meal!

Go on a Nature Walk

Grab a paper bag or shoe box (do people still have those lying around?) and head outside!

Have a “Stop and See Day”!

These made some of my favorite memories from growing up… even though I don’t necessarily remember any of the specific places we ended up stopping!

How to Get Your Kids to Listen Without Yelling

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:15:08 CDT

Let’s face it- raising kids isn't easy. As parents and caregivers, it can be easy to resort to yelling because it feels like nothing else has worked. But, no one really LIKES yelling, and there are other, more effective ways to reach your children. Here are some tips for getting your kids to listen without yelling.

Lead by Example

I can’t count the number of times a parent has come to me, somewhat baffled, as to why their kids are whining or yelling or ignoring them or whatever other breakdown of communication. Then, after a few days getting to know the family, the answer becomes clear: Your children are whining and complaining because they observe you doing it. *cringe* It’s hard to hear, but is often the case. Children learn by example....

Baby-Led Weaning Basics: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:27:50 CDT

Benefits of BLW

There are lots of advantages to practicing baby-led weaning!

Parents report that their children tend to have better table manners since they learn what it looks like when grownups eat properly.

Babies get used to chewing early on, which may help prevent choking.

Infants become more self confident when trying new things.

BLW tends to lead to less picky eaters by exposing your little one to a variety of flavors and textures early on.

What to do with Preschoolers Inside

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:10:00 CDT

I Hate Poopy Diapers: The Basics of Elimination Communication

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:13:14 CDT

Do you hate changing poopy diapers?

Are you looking for a gentle way to help your baby learn how to use the potty?

If so, elimination communication (EC) is a great option to consider!

Why EC?

• Fewer poopy diapers & fewer diapers overall...

• Less frequent diaper rash...

• Cost savings...

• Environmentally friendly...

• Bonding with your baby...

Bring Your Virtual Adventures to Life

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 01:16:13 CDT

If you’re like any other parents I know, you breathed a DEEP sigh of relief when school got out today… and shortly after, you realized that now you have to figure out how to occupy your kids for three weeks. I share lots of crafts and activities over in my free exclusive Facebook group (Nanny Hacks for Busy Moms), so jump on over there to join for ideas throughout the break, but today I want to give you some ideas for creating adventures from home using free virtual experiences.

Whether you’ve already discovered the amazing opportunities for adventure that lie within virtual experiences or you have no idea what I’m talking about, by adding a few interactive elements you can make a virtual trip to the zoo almost as memorable as the real thing! Really… I promise!